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Apathy toward police is disheartening

It is very disheartening to see the apathy of the general public when a police officer is injured, and the general contempt when an officer proves to be human and makes a mistake. It is so disturbing to see the public only take notice and offer support when an officer falls in the line of duty. Why do we wait until tragedy strikes before we show our respect for the uniform and those who wear it?

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Apathy toward police is disheartening

IndyStar
12 p.m. EDT July 12, 2014

The patrol car of Perry Renn, at IMPD's North District, two days after his death after being in a gunfight near the corner of east 34th Street and Forest Manor Avenue, Indianapolis, Monday, July 7, 2014.
(Photo:
Robert Scheer/The Star
)

It is very disheartening to see the apathy of the general public when a police officer is injured, and the general contempt when an officer proves to be human and makes a mistake. It is so disturbing to see the public only take notice and offer support when an officer falls in the line of duty. Why do we wait until tragedy strikes before we show our respect for the uniform and those who wear it?

We expect instant assistance when we need them, and show dislike or disdain when we see them patrolling the road to keep it safer. If pulled over, a lot of people will say they “should be out looking for real criminals,” or deny they were doing anything wrong. When a crime happens people say “Where were the police when we needed them?” and speculate as to what might have delayed the response and generally believe the worst.

When an officer makes a mistake, a mob mentality takes over and there is almost no way to get a fair judgment for that officer. The first one we crucify in the press is an officer accused of wrongdoing. The last one we see praise given to is an officer who does his job faithfully and to the best of his ability for years or, in Officer Perry Renn’s case, decades. Have you ever just walked up to an officer and said “Thank you?” and if you haven’t, why not?

Why do we support our police officers only when we lose one in the line of duty? Why aren’t we saying thank you for being there to protect us day in and day out? It takes strength of conviction and bravery to put on the uniform knowing each and every time, that it might be the last time and they might not make it home at the end of their shift. It takes a lot of courage and strength to send a loved one to work knowing that what you say to them as they head out the door might be the last words they ever hear you say.